Fortunately, we live in a time where there are a number of Black film directors making their voices heard in the world of film and television. While we are far from where we need to be, Black directors such as Ava DuVernay, Will Packer, Lena Waithe and many more are making noise. Not to mention, the legendary John Singleton dedicated his life to film through projects such as Boyz N’ The Hood, Poetic Justice and Snowfall. Following in their footsteps, a new wave of Black directors is getting ready to change the game. One of the young directors leading the way is Phillip Youmans.
Phillip Youmans has just made film history. This week, the 19-year-old film director made history as the youngest and first Black film director to win The Founders Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. The Founders Award is awarded to the best narrative feature and considered to be one of the highest honors at the festival. Youmans earned the award for his work on Burning Cane, which he began writing and directing at the age of seventeen years old. In addition, Burning Cane also won Best Cinematography in a U.S. Narrative Feature Film. Also, the film’s lead, Wendell Pierce, won Best Actor in a U.S. Narrative Feature.
Check out the film’s trailer above.
